Delivery assistants travel with van drivers delivering a wide range of goods. They help the driver to load and unload goods from the van. They are sometimes called driver's assistants or driver's mates.

The Work

You could be:

• helping to load goods into the van for delivery to customers
• making sure that the goods are loaded securely and will not move or get damaged in transit
• helping to find the best route for the journey by map reading or using either satellite navigation (satnav) or global positioning system (GPS) software
• guiding the van driver to reverse and park
• unloading the van and carrying the goods into the customer’s premises or home
• getting POD (point of delivery) signatures and perhaps taking payment or orders
• building or assembling furniture or other equipment on site in some cases
• helping to clean the vehicle.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

The starting salary is often based on the National Minimum Wage (NMW).

As of 1 April 2017 the National Minimum Wage is £4.05 an hour for workers aged 16 to 17, £5.60 an hour for workers aged 18 to 20 and £7.05 an hour for workers aged 21 to 24. The National Living Wage is £7.50 for workers aged 25 and over. This may rise to £7.50 an hour or more with experience.

Conditions

• You might work for manufacturing companies, wholesalers, retailers or parcel delivery companies.
• You might travel locally or over longer distances.
• On longer trips you may have to spend nights away from home.
• You have to spend a lot of time sitting in the van during long journeys.
• You need stamina to lift heavy loads.
• You may have to work unsocial hours, including weekends.
• You might wear protective clothing and possibly a uniform.

Getting In

• A good general education is useful, including a reasonable standard in English and maths.
• Some knowledge of vehicle mechanics can be helpful.
• You need to be fit to lift heavy loads.
• A driving licence is preferred and often required. If you are going to learn to drive, you must be at least 17 years of age to qualify for a driving licence.

There are currently few opportunities for delivery assistants who don't have a driving licence.

What Does it Take?

You need to be:

• honest and reliable
• able to follow instructions
• polite and able to deal with complaints
• fit and strong
• able to work to deadlines.

Training

• You would train on the job with an experienced driver.
• You would learn about the delivery routes you would work on and about the suppliers and customers you would visit.
• You may also attend short courses covering topics such as health and safety and manual handling and lifting.
• It would be useful to learn to drive and gain a driving licence.

Getting On

• After sufficient experience, and if you gain your driving licence, you may be able to train to be a van or truck driver.
• However, you may not be able to complete this until you are at least 21, or even 25, because of the high cost of insurance for younger drivers.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.